Study of Morphometric and Meristic Characteristics of (Squalis cephalus) in Shohaday-e- Songhor Dam lake, Iran

Squalis cephalus is an important economic and sport species in Kermanshah province. In this study, 18 morphometric and 9 meristic characteristics of Squalis cephalus in Shohaday-e- Songhor Dam lake in Kermanshah province were studied. A total of 31 specimens were caught in July and August 2012, using Gill nets of various mesh sizes (4 and 5 cm). Age groups 2+-5+ were observed in this population. Mean total, fork, standard, head and snout lengths were 207.2427.34, 196.1828.35, 179.2123.83, 45.496.11 and 19.992.78 mm, respectively. Mean body width and eye diameter were 31.996.68 and 8.650.83 mm respectively. Mean scales count in lateral line, above lateral line and below lateral line were40.473.20, 5.840.50, 3.110.32, respectively. Mean dorsal fin soft and hard rays were7.530.51 and 2.050.23, respectively. Mean anal fin soft and hard rays were5.580.51 and 2.110.32, respectively. According to the results, mean Coefficient of variation (%CV) of morphometric characteristics (16.28) were more than the meristic characteristics (9.31).Based on the presence of Squalis cephalus in most of the rivers in Kermanshah province and the discriminating or overlapping nature of majestic characters, there is a need to do more studies to discriminate different more studies to discriminate different populations.